Illuminator And Projector

An illuminator comprising:

• a light source that outputs first light having a first wavelength band;
• a wavelength converter that converts the first light into second light having a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band;
• a first optical element that reflects light that is part of the first light and is formed of a first polarized component polarized in a first direction and transmits the second light and at least part of light that is part of the first light and is formed of a second polarized component polarized in a second direction that intersects the first direction;
• and
• a second optical element that includes a retardation film that converts the light formed of the second polarized component and passing through the first optical element into the light formed of the first polarized component and a reflection layer that reflects the light passing through the retardation film toward the retardation film,
• wherein the first optical element reflects the light that is formed of the first polarized component and is the result of the conversion performed by the second optical element, the direction of the reflected light being the traveling direction of the second light that passes through the first optical element.